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The Library Series is the longest running educational program of the Ascension Master Gardeners. Two series are held each year, one in spring and another in the fall. Each series consists of four workshops held over several weeks covering a variety of horticulture related topics. The Ascension Master Gardner Association partners with the Ascension Parish Library to schedule the workshops at the different branches throughout the parish. The final workshop of each series includes an old-fashioned plant swap, where there are often over 1,000 plants given away.
The plant swap is a favorite event of Ascension Master Gardeners and community members.
School gardens throughout Ascension Parish are maintained with help from the Ascension Master Gardener Association. The school garden program took off in 2015 after the LSU AgCenter and Ascension Parish School Board received a $30,000 grant to install gardens at 15 primary and middle schools. Since then, the Ascension Parish 4-H Foundation has received additional grant funds to continue school garden programming in the parish. Activities conducted by this committee include a fall teacher workshop, plant and seed distributions, raised bed maintenance, and irrigation repair.
Students, teachers, and volunteers gather to work in the school garden at Oak Grove Primary School.
The Community Beautification Committee plays a key role in enhancing the appearance, health, and overall quality of shared spaces throughout Ascension Parish. This group works collaboratively to identify areas in need of improvement, organize planting and cleanup efforts, support sustainable landscaping practices, and promote local pride through ongoing maintenance and outreach. Committee members help plan and implement projects while engaging residents, volunteers, and local partners to create welcoming, attractive environments for everyone.
One program of focus is Kidz Kove Discovery Park. This park is an “all access” playground in the City of Gonzales which is utilized by children throughout Ascension Parish and the surrounding area. Ascension Master Gardeners maintain an ornamental bed located at the park. The bed requires regular weeding and mulching, and plants are added and removed according to the seasons. Ascension Master Gardeners take pride in the park’s beautification as it is a unique and wonderful addition to the community.
Ascension Master Gardeners are all smiles after cleaning up the flower bed at Kidz Kove.
